Currently runing a std Imco lower with low water pickup. Problem is, I run on the Great lakes and am constanly sucking sand in shallow water, then we over heat, flush, chg impellor and start all over. Is it possible to drill out the side holes like a good ole bravo has, champher the sides and solve my issue. Maybe even plug the lower hole and just run the side inlets. (Single eng. deep vee, outdrive is plenty deep in water). Anyone else experiencing this??

Many people have installed thru hull fittings to cure this problem. Then tap into the water jacket on the drive, leaving the low water pickup open , and diverting the water onto the drive as a shower. Post this question in the drive section, you will get better responses in there. I'm not an expert, but I slept.......oh never mind.




Darrell.

Scarab,
I just took a look at a -2" shorty and the water cavity is drillable. You just have to decided where and how many, etc.
I would try adding a few holes and see if it helps with your dredging in the sand. Take the lower off and locate where the cavity is. It kind of bends as it goes forward. So depending on what height you choose would determine how far forward the column of holes would be. Drill them straight thru and then put some chamfer on the front edge. I would thing that would do it. The where and how many is up to you.

Are you actually running in shallow water or when you beach it, leaving the lower down for an anchor?

Hope this helps.
Dick

Happens the most when driving over sandbars and lower unit hits sand, even when trimed up most the way, that cone is sticking straight down. Never beach the boat, but it's easy to go from 4 feet of water down to 2.5 feet at the sandbars.

We dont have that problem where I boat in Lake Michigan, thanks goodness.
I have been told that the DWP from Merc helps solve the problem. Not sure if it will work for you. But if you add some holes and see what does for you.. Should allow some water in and possibly wash the sand out??? If not, I would bet you could close off the bottom slot, if enough holes were drilled up above..
Let me know how it works out for you!.. I would like to see some pics..

Thanks.
Dick